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On December 17, 2024, South Korean media outlet Dispatch reported that WINNER's Mino allegedly exploited his connections at the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility in Seoul, where he was assigned, to manipulate his attendance records and take excessive leave.
The report suggested that Mino's leave exceeded standard allowances, raising concerns about potential dereliction of duty. Dispatch reported that the idol would allegedly show up for work at the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility, fill his attendance, smoke, and then leave for home. From December 12 to 15, Dispatch reported that he didn't show up for his work.
In response to these allegations, the Mapo Community Convenience Facility stated:
"We did it according to regulations. We are currently in a meeting about the matter and will likely be preparing a statement."
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YG Entertainment, Mino's management agency, addressed the situation by stating:
"The reason for the sick leave was an extension of the treatment he was receiving before serving, and all other vacation days were used in accordance with regulations."
The allegations against Mino sparked significant public interest and online discussion. Military service is a sensitive topic in South Korea, where fairness and adherence to regulations are highly valued. Previous instances of celebrities receiving preferential treatment during military service have led to public outcry and policy reforms.
However, netizens criticized Dispatch for its questionable journalistic practices. They highlighted how the media outlet stalked the K-pop idol and did a stakeout outside WINNER's Mino's residence in Seoul. One fan wrote on X:
Netizens voiced their apprehension towards journalists crossing their boundaries for news scoops and allegedly violating idols' right to privacy.
"Why would you visit someone at their workplace ten times? obsessed much? what are y'all trying to cover up now? always dragged Mino's name when he clearly did nothing wrong. y'all should be ashamed," one fan wrote.
"or what reason Dispatch visit Mino workplace? Did they receive complaint? No. Is there whistleblower? No. Did Mino ever release music/content during enlistment period? No. This is just witch hunting ffs," another fan said.
"Dispatch doing this again to block them for coming back soon. Like! Why they are all coming for YG artist? Does the other companies really afraid of them?? Seriously!" an X user wrote.
Others have speculated that the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on December 14, 2024, has exposed the South Korean government to international criticism due to the country's political unrest. Some conjectured that a celebrity may be used by the media to hide government news.
"Remember guys, Korean goverment isnt going well right now. So, this is maybe one of those diversion issue," one fan claimed.
"Mino disappeared off the face of earth during his enlistment yet they are still finding a way to drag him days before his discharge. Makes you wonder who’s behind all of this." another fan wrote.
"You know whats weird? people went to his work place to spy on him, it does make sense that the manager A at his place needed to hide him," one other fan added.
More about WINNER's Mino's ongoing mandatory military enlistment
On December 17, Dispatch reported that they staked outside the facility and the idol's resident to keep track of his attendance. However, the K-pop idol didn't show up at work even after returning from his Hawaii trip. Meanwhile, Manager "L," supervisor of the facility, stated that the WINNER idol had moved from the Mapo Resident Convenience Facility to a public facility.
The media outlet visited the facility over ten times in November and December 2023 after receiving anonymous tips about the K-pop idol's alleged dereliction of duties. However, it was reported that he never turned up for work. Manager L refused to show Dispatch the attendance sheet, however, the outlet later discovered that the idol cited "excuses" every day to avoid reporting to duty.
From 9 AM to 7 PM, Dispatch staked out of the military facility to see if the WINNER idol would show up. Reportedly, other employees confirmed that they had never seen Mino report for duty.
In South Korea, all able-bodied men are required to complete approximately 18 to 21 months of military service. Those assigned as social service agents, like the WINNER idol, serve for 21 months, performing duties in public institutions.
According to the social service worker management manual, agents are entitled to 15 days of annual leave in the first year and 16 days in the second year, totaling 31 days, along with 30 days of sick leave. Combining annual leave with sick leave or other types of leave is generally prohibited, and violations can result in warnings or extended service periods.
If the investigation confirms the allegations, the idol could face disciplinary actions, including a potential extension of his service or legal penalties under the Social Service Worker Act. The situation also poses reputational risks for both Mino and YG Entertainment, potentially affecting his career post-discharge.
As the investigation by the Military Manpower Administration continues, the entertainment industry and the public await further developments.
Mino is scheduled to complete his service and be discharged on December 23. The outcome of the investigation may influence the terms of his discharge and future activities.
